Dear Mother Maple: I love song circles. But I get serious nerves when it comes around to me to lead. Can’t I just be the side-guy and pass my turn? Bill Wyman Wannabe Dear Bill: There’s nothing wrong with being a sidewoman or sideman. Elvis had Scotty Moore and James Burton; Johnny Cash had Luther [...]
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Dear Mother Maple: I was at a music festival recently when a light rain began to fall. There was a young couple next to me, and we’d been chatting back and forth most of the day. When the rain started, they opened up a HUGE umbrella to keep themselves dry. Unfortunately, the umbrella began to [...]
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Dear Mother Maple: I was playing a wedding reception (favour for a friend) with a band of friends the other weekend. As we took a break, the MC for the wedding got up and plugged a laptop into the PA for dance music. Then he started moving our gear around. My question is this: how [...]
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Dear Mother Maple: I run sound at a local club, and last week I had a hard time. The act I was running sound for didn’t like what I was doing. I couldn’t find a sound to please him, the sound check didn’t go well, and between sets he chewed me out. But he couldn’t [...]
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Dear Mother Maple: I do house concerts. But the hardest part of my hobby is turning down people. How can I soften the blow? Living roomer Dear Living Roomer: You house concert people are the salt of the earth. You give up your time and your homes to others so that music and musicians can [...]
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Dear Mother Maple: I know this is going to happen this summer, because it happens EVERY summer. I love Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, my girlfriend loves Mighty Popo. They’re doing separate workshops AT THE SAME TIME. How do we have a good time together without undercurrents of resentment? BARK at the moon Dear BARK: [...]
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Dear Mother Maple: I can accept that roots musicians are never going to be the rich, powerful jetsetters of the music world. But wouldn’t a little recognition once in a while be nice? — Left out. Dear Left out: Well, you’re right. Recognition is a good thing. For example, my granddaughter came running downstairs [...]
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Dear Mother Maple: I’m not a musician. But I love music, and I want people who go to music festivals to shut the hell up when they’re watching someone play. How can I tell these ignoramuses to zip it without getting punched out? Pre-emptively annoyed Dear Annoyed: My, you are a feisty one. But I [...]
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Dear Mother Maple: My friend has always loved to party while he plays gigs. But lately, I’ve noticed him getting a bit out of control. What should I do? How can I help him? Worried Life Dear Worried: First off, stop buying him drinks! Just kidding, dear. But not really. I have, from time to [...]
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Hello darlings: This week I have a special two-in-one Ask Mother maple for you. Dear Mother Maple: I was chatting with a friend the other day, and mentioned Phil Ochs. He didn’t know who I was talking about! Should I break off the friendship? Mighty Ochs and Tiny Acorn. Dear Old Fogie / Folkie: Don’t [...]
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